The movement of a work of art from artist's studio to gallery, to collector, and to curator sometimes follows a clear and distinct route, easily discernable from start to finish. In other cases, the trail twists and turns, traveling a number of byways before arriving at its destination. The details of negotiations surrounding the acquisition of a collection, the purchase or commission of art from individual artists, and sales involving dealers are usually arranged quietly, out of the public's view. In this collection of essays, the Museum of International Folk Art and, in particular, the Diane and Sandy Besser Collection of folk and tribal art serve as touchstones for understanding the journey of an artwork from its place of origin to a private collection, and finally to a museum that conserves, presents, and interprets its collections for the benefit of the public. Each essay examines the collecting process from a different perspective: collector, dealer, artist, curator, museum director, or lawyer. Writing from these varied viewpoints, the authors share their experiences, using examples drawn from their personal and professional lives. The volume's contributors offer readers a glimpse behind the scenes into the roles and relationships that influence the transfer of private collections. On Collecting is illustrated with images of the Besser collection, which includes ceramics, textiles, beadwork, miniature bronzes, masks, bultos (three-dimensional wood-carvings of saints), and retablos (painted devotional images) from New Mexico, as well as intricately carved dagger handles, slingshots, ceremonial objects, curing dolls, and jewelry from around the globe. The book contributes to a greater understanding of the collecting process and the convoluted courtship rituals involving collectors, donors, museum staff, and board members. These essays illuminate the challenges faced by museums of all sizes that engage in the complex ethical, legal, emotional, and intellectual process by which privately held collections are transferred to the public trust.
Product Identifiers
Publisher
University of Washington Press
ISBN-10
0295988886
ISBN-13
9780295988887
eBay Product ID (ePID)
71116974
Product Key Features
Author
Joyce Ice
Language
English
Topic
Art, Collections, Catalogs, Exhibitions / General
Dimensions
Item Length
11in
Item Height
0.5in
Item Width
9in
Item Weight
24.8 Oz
Additional Product Features
Book Title
On Collecting : From Private to Public, Featuring Folk and Tribal Art from the Diane and Sandy Breuer Collection
Lc Classification Number
N5200.O5 2009
Grade from
College Graduate Student
Reviews
Like a wanderer through a museum, the book's design offers the pleasures of studying first-rate works up close, but with the added benefit of experts explaining how the objects made the journey from studio to collector to public galleries.
Table of Content
Introduction / Joyce Ice How Do I Collect? To "L" with the Norm / Sandy Besser A Perspective on Dealing and Collecting: Indian Miniature Bronzes and Himalayan Masks / Daniel H. Cook Creating Art, Building Relationships / Arthur López On Collectors: Cats, Sinners, Angels and Art / Luis Tapia with Carmella Padilla I Beat the Owl Lady: A "Collection" of Personal Anecdotes on Collecting / Tey Marianna Nunn On Collecting : The View from the Director's Office / Joyce Ice Important Legal Issues for Art Collectors / Susannah Evans Acknowledgements Contributors Index & Photography Credits
